Splashing out on water front - Bass Reflections
Bassenthwaite Reflections
In the wake of the worst floods in living memory and the subsequent fourth driest period since records began, water is again in the news.And to help all those with a CA12 postcode, an illustrated leaflet showing a potted history of water management in the Bassenthwaite area is about to be delivered.
Water Past Present and Future shows how human influence over supplies shaped the landscape and predicts the changes that might have to be made to counter the effects of climate change.
The result of widespread research, the document is about to go to every home and business in the Keswick area.
Produced by Heritage Lottery Funded Bassenthwaite Reflections, it combines important historic information with changing needs from farming, industry, businesses and communities.
Leading the project for Reflections, Chris Robinson said the illustrated, easy to digest pamphlet was a compelling read and likely to become essential literature for organisations, landowners and individuals dealing with water.
He added: “Going back to Norse settlers in the tenth century, it tracks different influences and pressures through the centuries, right up to extreme conditions and climate change ramifications.
“We even go a step further and show how the area could potentially look in the future, when we need a more resilient landscape better able to adapt to changes like global warming and future water management pressures.”
Chris added the information would be a legacy to community landscape Reflections, which finishes at the end of this year.
“Water affects us all. We can’t survive without it. Encouraging people to understand the issues, pressures and solutions will hopefully make us more responsible and committed to doing our bit to look after our lakes, rivers and tarns.”
Water Past Present and Future is being delivered with Kesmail during July. Downloads will be also be available on www.bassenthwaite-reflections.co.uk
Anyone wanting more information about Reflections should ring 017687 73204, email: reflections@environment-agency.gov.uk
Bassenthwaite Reflections is a Heritage Lottery funded programme. Reflections partners are made up of Environment Agency, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, Forestry Commission, Grampus Heritage and Training and Cumbria County Council.
For further information on any of the 22 projects in the Bassenthwaite Reflections Programme, contact Karin Crofts on karin.crofts@environment-agency.gov.uk or 017687 74785.
